1. Home
  2. / John Pemberton
  3. / Was there cocaine in the original Coca-Cola formula?

Was there cocaine in the original Coca-Cola formula?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Only caffeine

  • Not confirmed

Answer

Cocaine was indeed an original ingredient in Coca-Cola. Created in 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton, the recipe initially contained coca leaves, the source of cocaine. However, in 1903, amid growing concerns about the addictive properties of cocaine, the company removed the substance, replacing it with decaffeinated cola nuts. Today's Coca-Cola is cocaine-free and uses a modified version of the original recipe.
The Inventive Journey of John Stith Pemberton: A Coca-Cola Quiz

The Inventive Journey of John Stith Pemberton: A Coca-Cola Quiz

Take the John Pemberton Quiz
Subscribe newsletter

Subscribe Now!

Learn something
new everyday

Playing quizzes is free! We send 1 quiz every week to your inbox